Brooke's AVM Adventure

On January 5 our family's world was turned upside down by the sudden hospitalization of our little Brooke. Out of nowhere, Brooke collapsed at her home and her mom, Kelly Metaxotos, rushed her to the hospital for paralysis on the right side of her body. After an initial assessment, at the Emergency Room close to their home, Brooke was transferred to the children's hospital at Westchester Medical Center. Upon arrival at the children’s hospital, Brook endured hours of testing and procedures, including MRIs, CT scans, and a Cerebral Arteriogram, a diagnosis of an AVM (arteriovenous malformation) rupture was made. This rupture impacted Brooke’s left side of her frontal lobe, specifically the motor cortex, and her optic nerves. The diagnosis was a surprise to her single mother, three siblings, and the entire family.

Following the diagnosis, Brooke remained in the ICU for 10 days while her doctors waited for the bleeding and swelling to dissipate before making any further intensive treatment measures. There were a few rough nights where our breaths were held and there were good days where we cried from joy at improvements being made.

We would like to make everyone aware that these improvements are medically induced. Further improvements need to be made naturally to ensure the health of our Brooke. Her next evaluation will be the one to guide the medical team in the direction they need to take to guarantee Brooke’s development does not become any more damaged. The medical team has remained vigilant during this time, and our family remains grateful to them as this journey continues.

Brooke is a 9-year-old, active, intelligent, and kind-hearted child. Recently, she was incredibly proud of herself for making it onto the honor roll at her new school and was looking forward to her induction into the honor society. However, at this point in time, it does not seem like Brooke will be returning to school this year, as brain surgery is inevitable. Not only will she have to endure brain surgery, but she will also need intense inpatient physical therapy for as long as it takes to regain movement and strength on the right side of her body.

Her mother, Kelly, has been at her bedside for the entire hospitalization and needs to remain there as Brooke’s condition remains critical. Brooke’s siblings will continue staying with family during her hospitalization. Kelly will be unable to continue working and we are hoping to raise money to supplement the loss of family income in addition to any medical costs not covered by her insurance. Any donation is immeasurably appreciated by her mother and family.

With Thanks and Love,

Brooke’s Family